May offer mild liver support and antioxidant effects.
Effective Dose
100-300mg of silymarin extract per day.
Onset
2-4 weeks
Cost
Mid-range
Cycle
No cycling required. Can be taken continuously.
Why not higher?
7 things you need to know
What it does
May offer mild liver support and antioxidant effects.
Worth it?
4.5/10. Milk thistle shows some potential for liver health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the benefits are often mild and inconsistent, especially at typical supplement doses. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
How much to take
100-300mg of silymarin extract per day.
Price
Moderate ($15-30/month)
How fast it works
Takes 2 to 4 weeks to notice
Safety
Check if: pregnancy, breastfeeding
What people say
Most users don't report any immediate noticeable effects. Some may experience mild digestive upset. The perceived benefit is more preventative and long-term.
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years.
"Most users don't report any immediate noticeable effects. Some may experience mild digestive upset. The perceived benefit is more preventative and long-term."
Research backing for this ingredient
Some evidence, more research needed
65+
Yes
Generally accepted with some debate
Liver function enzyme improvement (ALT/AST)
Meta-analysis of 17 RCTs
Glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes
Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs
Reduced mortality in alcoholic liver disease
Cochrane Systematic Review (15 RCTs)
"While some studies suggest benefits for liver health, the evidence is mixed and often relies on higher doses than typically found in supplements. More rigorous research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, especially at lower doses."
Milk thistle is believed to support liver health by acting as an antioxidant and promoting liver cell regeneration. However, the effects are often mild and may not be noticeable for everyone.
Products below minimum dose are likely ineffective
When
Any time
How
100-300mg of silymarin extract per day.
Food
Can be taken with or without food.
Benefits may take several weeks of consistent use to become noticeable.
No cycling required. Can be taken continuously.
Check for specific interactions.
Milk Thistle is categorized as a herb.
Scientific consensus score: 6/10.
Evidence quality: MODERATE.
Add Milk Thistle to your stack analyzer or compare it with other ingredients.
Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.